• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder Cycles
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Online Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Online Therapists
    • Grief Counselors
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
    • Session Login
Skip to content

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Published: July 7, 2020 Updated: May 18, 2022
Published: 07/07/2020 Updated: 05/18/2022
Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Written by:

Matthew Edelstein

Psy.D, BCBA-D
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • What Is ADHD?adhd
  • Types of ADHDTypes
  • Signs of ADHDSigns
  • What Causes ADHD?Causes
  • How Is ADHD Diagnosed?Diagnosis
  • Treatment of ADHDTreatment
  • ADHD StatisticsStatistics
  • Living with ADHD: Coping & Managing SymptomsCoping
  • Rating Scales & Checklists for ADHDRatings/Checklists
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Written by:

Matthew Edelstein

Psy.D, BCBA-D
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP

Among the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder features a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity that interferes with functioning or development. Typically identified in childhood, symptoms of ADHD need to be evident across multiple settings and caregivers in order for the diagnosis to be confirmed.1

While individuals with ADHD are often impacted throughout their lives, symptoms can be managed with behavior therapy and/or medication.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is ADHD?

More formally, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder requires the presence of symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both.2 It is important to note that, in isolation, any of the characteristics of the disorder can be observed throughout typical childhood development. In order to meet criteria for ADHD, symptoms must be present for at least 6 months1 and significantly impact academic, social, and adaptive abilities.

It should be strongly noted that individuals with ADHD are not all impacted in their ability to pay attention. More accurately, these individuals are attending to the wrong things in the environment. They can be experts in putting together puzzles, building Legos, and might play video games for hours (becoming time blind when doing activities they enjoy). Their deficits often lie primarily in sustained focus in situations and events that do not pique their intrinsic interests or result in immediate rewards.

Symptoms of ADHD are first observed in childhood (i.e. before age 12). These children often display difficulties with persistence in the face of challenging tasks, excessive motor activity (hyperactivity), and in thinking through the consequences of their actions impulsivity).

With regard to impulsive behaviors, individuals with ADHD are best described as having “ready, fire, aim” behaviors; they often act without thinking about the impact of their behaviors, demonstrating poor foresight and planning. These behaviors may be the product of an underlying inability or intolerance to delay gratification.

Types of ADHD

Types of ADHD include ADHD with Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, ADHD with Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation, and ADHD with Combined Presentation.

ADHD With Predominantly Inattentive Presentation1 

Individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for this subtype of ADHD present with fewer symptoms of hyperactivity.

Inattentive symptoms typically manifest in some or all of the following ways:

  1. Difficulty with close attention to detail across multiple contexts, resulting in frequent mistakes and creating a negative impact on work productivity (e.g., at school, work, or during non preferred leisure activities).
  2. Difficulty maintaining attention in non preferred tasks or activities. Examples include challenges remaining on-task during reading tasks or lengthy conversations.
  3. Demonstrates “wandering attention” even without the presence of clear distractions in the environment.
  4. Difficulty following through with tasks (preferred or nonpreferred). These individuals may often start projects with relative ease but fail to complete them.
  5. Challenges related to organization; including completing multiple-step actions, time management, and keeping things in order.
  6. Avoidance of tasks that require persistence of mental effort (e.g., completion of homework, lengthy forms, or monotonous review of information).
  7. Difficulty holding onto things necessary for task completion (e.g., eyeglasses, car keys, cellphone, wallet, etc.)
  8. Easily distracted by stimuli in the environment (includes fleeting, unrelated thoughts).
  9. Forgetful during activities of daily living (e.g., routine chores, errands, returning calls, keeping appointments).

ADHD With Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation1

Individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for this subtype of ADHD have significant difficulty with behavioral excess (i.e. behaviors that are more overt, and at times, socially stigmatizing).

Hyperactive and/or Impulsive symptoms typically manifest in some or all of the following ways:

  1. Frequent fidgeting or tapping with hands or feet; squirming in seat
  2. Inability to remain seated during times when doing so is expected (e.g., while working in a classroom or office)
  3. Excessive motor activity (e.g., running, climbing, restlessness) in situations where it may be inappropriate
  4. Difficulty engaging in quiet leisure activities (e.g. private reading in a library)
  5. Behavior characterized as being “driven by a motor” (e.g., unable to remain still for an extended period of time)
  6. Excessive talking
  7. Inability to inhibit one’s own communicative behavior (e.g., blurts out answers to questions, difficulty waiting for one’s turn in conversation)
  8. Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., takes over others’ activities, uses others’ things or invades others’ space without asking)

ADHD With Combined Presentation1

Individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for this subtype demonstrate significant symptoms in both Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive categories.

Signs of ADHD

Although not specific to ADHD exclusively, children with ADHD can also present with mild delays in language, motor, or social development.1 Many parents first report excessive motor activity when their child is a toddler, but these symptoms can often be difficult to distinguish from typical development before age 4.

Most commonly, ADHD is diagnosed during elementary school years (ages 5-7) where symptoms of inattention become more impairing. Symptoms of impulsivity, excessive activity levels, and poor focus tend to be stable throughout early adolescence. For many individuals, hyperactive behaviors tend to lessen as they age and give way to fidgeting, impatience, and/or general restlessness.

Adolescents with ADHD tend to demonstrate more educational difficulties, including more failing grades and a higher chance of dropping out of school, than their neurotypical peers. They also have more difficulty in their relationships with peers, teachers, siblings, and parents.3

As adolescents develop into adulthood, research suggests a reduction in core symptoms of ADHD.4 Some symptoms in adults, such as qualities of poor planning and inattention tend to persist throughout their lifetime. Older individuals who continue to meet criteria for ADHD tend to have more problems with adjustment and poorer mental health than comparison groups. These adults also continue to have difficulty with impulsivity, which can lead to financial and/or legal problems (i.e. these individuals are more likely to switch jobs, get speeding tickets, and have driving accidents).

However, some research has demonstrated that adults who were hyperactive youngsters use their energy more adaptively; many may work multiple jobs, may choose jobs that are more active, and/or may work longer hours. In this way, the aimlessness of childhood restlessness has given way to more purposeful activity-seeking in adulthood.

As some adults who present to physicians and mental health professionals have not previously been diagnosed in childhood, additional criteria beyond medical history have been suggested. It should be noted that each criterion is only met if the behavior occurs more frequently and is more impairing than individuals with the same developmental age.

These criteria include:4

  1. Sense of underachievement/low self-esteem
  2. Difficulty getting organized
  3. Chronic procrastination
  4. Trouble with follow-through on tasks
  5. Tendency to speak one’s mind, with little insight into the timing or appropriateness of the remark
  6. Frequent search for high stimulation
  7. Intolerance for boredom
  8. High distractibility
  9. Often creative, intuitive, and highly intelligent
  10. Difficulty following “proper” procedure
  11. Low tolerance for frustration
  12. Impulsive
  13. Tendency to work endlessly
  14. Sense of insecurity or worry
  15. Mood swings
  16. Restlessness
  17. Tendency toward addictive behavior

Current research suggests that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders is a chronic condition, with approximately half of children continuing to exhibit symptoms and impairment into adulthood. ADHD is also associated with other types of psychiatric disorders, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.5

What Causes ADHD?

The causes of ADHD include brain structure, brain chemicals, genetics, and environment.

Structural Brain Causes6,7

ADHD has been noted to affect about 5% of children, with up to 65% having symptoms persist into adulthood. Use of anatomic studies (MRI/FMRI) suggest atypical brain structures among individuals with ADHD. Most notably, scans have shown overall decreases in brain volume, with particular affected areas including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and parieto-temporal regions.

In addition, longitudinal studies suggest that young children have delays in prefrontal cortical development. The impact of these affected areas in the brain is thought to manifest as delays in cognitive processing, including working memory, as well as motor and attention planning.

Chemical Brain Causes8

Additional research has implicated several biological bases for the symptoms of ADHD, including deficits in the reward/motivational centers of the brain also known as the dopamine pathway. Specifically, brain neuroimaging studies have demonstrated disruption in the dopamine pathway, which is hypothesized to be linked to core symptoms of attention and impulsivity.

Genetic Causes9

Previous familial research has established that childhood and adult ADHD is highly heritable, with estimates around 40% heritability. Family studies suggest that there is a high risk for ADHD among first-degree relatives, particularly those for whom symptoms persist into adulthood.

However, genetic research has been unable to identify specific genes that are responsible for conferring heritability in families. ADHD is not associated with specific physical features, though subtle motor delays and neurological signs may occur.

Environmental Causes9

There have been some environmental factors linked to increased likelihood for diagnosis of ADHD. Specifically, very low birthweight (less than 3 pounds) increases the risk for ADHD by 2-3 times. It should be noted that most children with below-average birth weight do not go on to develop ADHD. There have been some connections between environmental toxins and a later ADHD diagnosis, including lead exposure, alcohol exposure, and smoking during pregnancy.

What Does NOT Cause ADHD

Despite some assertions by past research and non-experts, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, refined sugar, food additives/allergies, video games, or technology.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can be reliably diagnosed in children, adolescents, and adults using the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).1 However, these criteria were derived from children and young adults and not specifically targeted toward adults.

Qualified medical professionals who are best equipped to diagnose ADHD including physicians (psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists) and clinical psychologists.  Social workers, nurse practitioners, school psychologists, and other licensed therapists (professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, etc.) can be helpful with initial screenings for the disorder and can provide referrals for a formal diagnosis.

The clinical diagnosis of ADHD is often made by assessing patient symptoms, severity of impairment, comorbidity (presence of other symptoms), family history, and psychosocial stressors. Pediatric evaluations typically consist of interviews with the patient and caregiver, behavioral observations, and a review of school, medical, and/or neuropsychological testing.

Treatment of ADHD

Behavior therapy has been identified over the last 20 years as being an evidence-based treatment for the symptoms of ADHD.10 Behavioral strategies, grounded in learning theory, includes a focus on procedures wherein parents and/or caregivers are trained to use specific strategies to increase desired behaviors (e.g., compliance, organization) and decrease undesirable behaviors (e.g., noncompliance, disruptions).

Several meta-analyses over the last decade have established that behavioral treatments result in moderate to substantial improvement for children who engage in a variety of disruptive and noncompliant behaviors.10 These types of therapies can be provided by licensed psychologists, social workers, and counselors with the appropriate educational background and training.

Numerous systematic reviews show that up to 70% of children respond well to stimulant medications, with short-term improvement in ADHD symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.11 Stimulant medications typically used to treat these symptoms include Methylphenidate (brand names: Ritalin, Quillivant, QuilliChew, Metadate, Concerta), Dextroamphetamine + Amphetamine (brand name: Adderall) and Dextroamphetamine (brand name: Dexedrine).

Additional types of medication for ADHD symptoms include atomoxetine (brand name: Strattera), an FDA-approved alternative to stimulant medication which replaces certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and guanfacine (brand name: Tenex), which is a blood pressure medication that is often prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.

These medications are associated with side effects, which include nervousness, insomnia, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, and tachycardia. While a pediatrician is qualified to prescribe these medications, many will refer families to a specialist (i.e. developmental pediatricians and/or psychiatrists) for ongoing medication management.

ADHD Statistics

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is among the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children. ADHD affects an estimated 4% – 12% of school-aged children worldwide.12 In addition, data suggests that up to 5% of college-aged students and adults meet criteria for ADHD. The disorder is more frequent in males than in females, with a ratio of 2:1 in children and 1.6:1 in adults.1 In addition, females are more likely than males to present primarily with inattentive features.

Living with ADHD: Coping & Managing Symptoms

As ADHD is a chronic condition, many individuals with the diagnosis have ongoing difficulties throughout their lifetime, including potential for depression.3 For those taking medication, it may become clear that symptoms shift with changes in the environment requiring ongoing management of dosages and types.

Younger children may require educational and/or behavioral supports at school, including an IEP or 504 plans. Adolescents and adults may consider informing administrators or employers about an ADHD diagnosis for accommodations to increase productivity.

Aside from more formal accommodations, individuals with ADHD can take measures on their own to support skills deficits. Common strategies to manage symptoms include note taking to address working memory deficits, structured scheduling to avoid procrastination, and use of technology and planners to support difficulty with organization. There are some games and exercises that purport to improve memory and attention, ranging from crossword puzzles and Sudoku to more expensive options like Lumosity© or BrainHQ©, though these activities do not claim to treat specific diagnoses.

Rating Scales & Checklists for ADHD

The following scales and checklists are used to help clinicians gather information on symptoms and functioning. Responses to these questionnaires are not sufficient by themselves to arrive at a diagnosis of ADHD, but can be an important component of the evaluation process:

  • Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL): Identifies problem behavior in children ages 6-18 years. Includes possible diagnoses as well as internalizing/externalizing problems
  • Conners’ Rating Scales
    • Teacher Rating Scale: Revised, provides information from teachers on subscales relating to oppositional problems, cognitive problems, hyperactivity, and an ADHD-index
    • Parent Rating Scale -Revised
    • Adolescent Self-Report Scale
  • Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scales (VADRS)
    • Parent Rating Scale: Gathers information on caregivers’ perspective of social functioning and school performance
    • Teacher Rating Scale: Provides information on school performance and ADHD symptoms
  • ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV): Includes separate forms for parents/caregivers and teachers; divided into subscales for hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp Online Therapy – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Online Psychiatry & Medication – Answer a few questions and Talkspace will match you with an online prescriber and get schedule a video psychiatry session. Your online psychiatry prescriber will personalize your treatment, which may include psychiatric medication and follow-ups. Get started for $249 or see if your insurance is one of many Talkspace accepts. Learn More

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Headspace

For Further Reading

While only a professional can diagnose and treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, there are several organizations that can provide support and guidance.

These include:

  • Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
  • Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
  • American Psychological Association (APA)

In addition, there are several places on the internet where you can “check your symptoms” to see if it would be appropriate to follow up with a professional.

Some examples include:

  • WebMD: ADHD Health Check
  • ADD.Org: ADHD Questionnaire
12 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013

  • Anderson, J.C., Williams, S., McGee, R., Silva, P.A. (1987). DSM III disorders in preadolescent children. Prevalence in a large sample from the general population. Archives of General Psychiatry, 44(1), 69-76.

  • Biederman, J., Monuteaux, M., Mick, E, et al. (2006). Young adult outcome of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a controlled 10-year follow-up study. Psychological Medicine. 36(2), 167-179.

  • Weiss, M., Hechtman, L.T., & Weiss, G. In ADHD in Adulthood: A guide to current theory, diagnosis, and treatment (1999). Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, MD.

  • Bird, H.R., Gould, M.S., Staghezza, B.M. (1993). Patterns of diagnostic comorbidity in a community sample of children aged 9-16 years. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 32(2), 361-368.

  • Valera, E.M., Faraone, S.V., Murray, K.E., Seidman, L.J. (2007). Meta-analysis of structural imaging findings in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 61, 1361-1369.

  • Friedman, L.A., Rapoport, J.L. (2015). Brain development in ADHD. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 30, 106-111.

  • Volkow, N.D., Wang, G., Kollins, S.G. et al. (2009). Evaluating dopamine reward pathway in ADHD: clinical applications, JAMA, 302(10), 1084-1091.

  • Larsson, J.O., Larsson, H., Lichtenstein, P. (2004). Genetic and environmental contributions to stability and change of ADHD symptoms between 8 and 13 years of age: a longitudinal twin study, 1267-1275.

  • Fabiano, G.A., Pelham, W.E., Coles, E.K., Gnagy, E.M., Chronis-Tuscano, A., O’Connor B.C. (2009). A meta-analysis, of behavioral treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Clinical Psychology Review, 29(2), 129-140.

  • Clinical Practice Guideline: treatment of the school aged child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (2002), Pediatrics, 63(12), 16-22.

  • Spencer, T.J., Biederman, J., Wilens, T.E., Faraone, S.V. Novel treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 63(12), 16-22.

Recent Articles

Time Blindness
Time Blindness: What It Is & How to Overcome ItTime blindness is the difficulty or inability to sense the passing of time or recalling when certain memories took more
';
FT_ADHD_in_Women
ADHD In Women: Signs, Symptoms, & TreatmentsMen and women can have any and/or all symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but current research, based on self-reports, more
';
Persecutory Delusions
Persecutory Delusions: Definition, Examples, & TreatmentsPersecutory delusions are defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as, “the false conviction that others are threatening or more
';
Monophobia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Monophobia (Fear of Being Alone): Signs, Symptoms, & TreatmentsMonophobia (or autophobia) is an abnormal fear of being alone. Someone has monophobia if their fear of being alone more
';
Birth Trauma: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Birth Trauma: Signs, Symptoms, & TreatmentsBirth trauma is a mental health condition that impacts a woman following a labor or delivery experience that has more
';
Postpartum Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Postpartum Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & TreatmentsPostpartum depression is a condition characterized by severe mood swings, hopelessness, and fatigue. Untreated postpartum depression can challenge your more
';
Headshot of Matthew Edelstein, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Written by:

Matthew Edelstein

Psy.D, BCBA-D
Headshot of Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Reviewed by:

Trishanna Sookdeo

MD, MPH, FAAFP
  • What Is ADHD?adhd
  • Types of ADHDTypes
  • Signs of ADHDSigns
  • What Causes ADHD?Causes
  • How Is ADHD Diagnosed?Diagnosis
  • Treatment of ADHDTreatment
  • ADHD StatisticsStatistics
  • Living with ADHD: Coping & Managing SymptomsCoping
  • Rating Scales & Checklists for ADHDRatings/Checklists
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
Crisis Hotlines here
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept